Sharing my love for written words

Meet The Reader #1: Gare from @gareindeedreads

Today is a very exciting day for me because I am starting a new blog series called ‘Meet The Reader’!

In this series, I’ll interview a book blogger I found over at Instagram or Twitter whom I admire and love a lot. I want to find out about the people, the readers who share their love for books and spread its good message.

Gare has one of the most creative book account over at Instagram. He is a genius and I’ll tell you why. It’s because he casts the characters with actual actors! *mindblown* I never thought about doing so nor have I seen anyone else do it other than Gare. Yes, once in a while I might think who I’d like to play the protagonist but I never thought of casting all the characters! Gare takes care of that – protagonist, antagonist, sidekicks, cameos – everyone! I don’t know if Gare understands or not but he does a favour for all of us by doing this. It makes reading a book so much easier and fun if one can imagine actual actors play out the role.

You are a blessing to mankind, Gare!

Coming back to the main point, here’s the first interview of Meet The Reader –

Rubina Reads: For starters, tell us about yourself and how you became a reader?

Gare: I have always been an avid reader and found I got more enjoyment getting fully lost in a story compared to watching television or movies. About a year and a half ago, I kind of stumbled on Bookstagram through Crime by the Book and figured I’d give it a shot as well!

(RR: Guys, if you haven’t, you should follow the Queen of Bookstagram, Abby over at @crimebythebook)

RR: What do you look for in a book?

Gare: I look for something unique and anti-cliche. I love mysteries and thrillers, but I always look for a story that’s unlike anything else out there. Occasionally, I’ll give in to a popcorn read, because I love how some stories seem like something else similar, but I love to see how different authors wrap up the storyline.

RR: What’s the advantage and disadvantage of being a reader?

Gare: I think the advantage is being able to meet new and interesting characters and be able to live vicariously through different situations that you wouldn’t find yourself in within your everyday life. A disadvantage for me would be when I’m really looking forward to a story and it’s either not what it appears to be or it doesn’t meet my expectations.

RR: How do you squeeze in reading in your day-to-day life?

Gare: I try to read an hour each night and any night that I miss, I try to make up for throughout the week!

RR: How did you come about starting an Instagram account dedicated to books, aka The Mighty Bookstagram?

Gare: I was posting pictures of books I was reading on my personal Instagram and a friend of mine suggested making a separate account. I already followed Crime by the Book and thought I would try it!

RR: What do you imagine for the Future of Books and Reading?

Gare: I think that with Bookstagram and authors really being noticed through social media, we are in prime opportunity to really take the literary world by storm.

RR: What advice would you give to aspiring readers?

Gare: Don’t put pressure on yourself. Read what you like and be creative. Don’t try to follow someone else’s path. Just do what comes natural and find what makes you happy as a reader.

RR: What are you currently reading?

Gare: I’m currently reading SHE WAS THE QUIET ONE by Michele Campbell. I am loving it so much! Especially with the boarding school premise. It’s really great.

RR: Anything new that caught your eye?

Gare: I’m really looking forward to anything new from Gillian Flynn and the new J.T. Ellison.

RR: Last question – We readers can never have one favourite book, so tell us your Top 5.

Gare: My top five would be:

FINAL GIRLS by Riley Sager,

THE LAST TIME I LIED by Riley Sager,

THE FAVORITE SISTER by Jessica Knoll,

A DENSITY OF SOULS by Christopher Rice, and

YOU by Caroline Kepnes

Thank you Gare, for accepting my invitation and replying to my question! Keep doing what you are and I wish more people find you and fall in love with you!